Completing the Trifecta ... a.k.a. Videos in the Classroom

Two posts in this blog have touched on using image editing tools and audio tools in the classroom.  A natural progression would be to discuss video tools.  The following are a few online tools with which I have experimented.

PowToon
This video tool comes fully equipped with pre-made templates that can easily be edited and updated for your needs.  I did not attempt to create one from scratch, but the editing features are similar if you want to make a video all on your own.  Music is available to accompany the videos.  Check out one I made quickly for a Library Assistant Commercial.  I could see students using this as an easy presentation tool and teachers using it to promote their classes for an electives fair.  Guidance counselors could create Powtoon videos with steps for scheduling classes and librarians could use it for promoting books and events. 

Animoto
I made this video a while back during an electives fair.  It is a little longer than permitted for the free membership, but I was able to edit and extend the length with a free educators membership.  It is definitely worth it!  Animoto uses an audio slideshow format for videos.  I have seen teachers use it to highlight a few pictures from a field trip or engaging activity.  Students have used animoto in class to create commercials for marketing classes and campaign advertisements for government classes. 

Pixiclip
Think of this tool as an online whiteboard.  This is a fantastic tool for recording instructions or notes that need to be posted for students who have missed class.  You can record your voice and/or a video of yourself as you speak (it pops up in the top left corner of the screen).  The rest of the whiteboard is still available to fill with notes, diagrams, or any reminders you want jotted down as you speak.  I know many mathematics teachers in my school who post notes online for students to refer to later, or need to access from an absence.  Pixiclip allows the teacher to present the notes to class in real time, as well as record it for students not present. 

Weebly Websites

Creating an inviting, engaging, and helpful library website is tough work.  Luckily there are a number of fantastic sites already available from which I can draw inspiration. 

I searched for various library weebly sites and instantly decided to check out the McKinney High School Learning Commons library site.  Afterall, the space is called a learning commons instead of a library!  The site is sleek, professional, and well-organized.  A slideshow of photos on the homepage displays images of the library learning commons and students at work, as well as their extensive mission statement.  There is a location for "book requests" where students and staff can request resources for the learning commons to consider acquiring.  Students and parents will find the required reading lists organized in one place on this site.  Students and teachers can enhance their assignments and lessons with the array of technology tools listed for presentations, digital storytelling, screen casting, online posters, and image sources.

The North East High School Media Center website is another site that exemplifies professionalism in appearance and effectiveness in content.  I adore the homepage and find it inviting and engaging.  The navigation bar at the top includes a number of typical resources found on most library webpages.  The "library news" page highlights popular events and activities that have occurred or will occur.  In particular, I am fond of the photos of their "celebration of banned books week" (though I find that title puzzling).  A unique feature I have found on this site is an exit card.  The one here simply asks about which resources were helpful and databases/websites that the user likes best.  Perhaps this could be adjusted to an answer garden for others to see responses (of course monitoring appropriate responses would be a must!)

Both of the websites listed above were created with Weebly.  I plan on using this website creation tool for my own library/learningcommons/media center site as it is user-friendly and provides a variety of design options.  I hope to incorporate several components that the above sites have used, in addition to a curation tools and smore flyers.

Awesome Audio!

There are a number of simple and fun audio tools available on the internet ... for free!

Clyp
This tool is incredibly easy to use.  You can simply upload audio (music, soundbyte, speech, etc.) as well as record audio.  No account is required to upload a clyp, but an account could be useful if you would like to archive and save clyps.  The account is free.  Clyp would be a user-friendly tool for students to record podcasts (see my previous post about using podcasts in the classroom).

Voki
This audio tool allows the user to create a cartoon avatar, with many options for accessories, background, and of course adding in a voice!  There is also an ad-free version for educators.  Students will enjoy creating their own avatars and making them a part of presentations, webpages, and blogs.  The avatars can be sent via email as a greeting or invitation.  Tweet your avatar to distribute announcements or embed it into Blackboard announcements.

Blabberize
This audio tool is probably one of my favorites.  Upload a picture, trace the mouth, and give it a voice!  You will need to create an account to use the tool, but it is free and very easy to use.  The images can be embedded into blogs, such as the one I created below.  I can imagine students have great fun creating audio comic strips that depict favorite scenes from a book, movie, or a moment in history.  The images can be placed into presentations to recite important quotes from a book.  Use an image on school announcements to advertise a club or event.

Podcasts in the Classroom

With our students' constant 24/7 access to the digital world, introducing them to podcasts would be a natural addition to the classroom or library.  Students can tap their own creativity and earn themselves a bit of local fame by creating their own series of podcasts.  Here are few ideas for incorporating podcasts into lessons:

1.    Students make a series of interviews with teachers during teacher appreciation week.

2.    Students create a series of book talks on those they read throughout the year.  Librarians can highlight these book talks to help increase circulation of the books.

3.    Students create their own "fireside" chats to chronicle current events (or historical events).

4.    Students record top 10 topics of study for each unit.  The series can then be used as a midterm or final exam review guide.

5.    Students create digital storybooks that progress with each successive podcast.

6.    Students practice dialogue in a second language and teachers use the recorded dialogue for listening comprehension assessments of other students.

7.    Teachers record short lectures and lessons for absent or homebound students.

8.    Librarians create “podcast pods” equipped with laptops, headphones, and links to student created podcasts or others on the internet.

How will you use podcasts in your classroom or library?

Here is an inspiring podcast.  Guy Raz interviews Rita Pierson (educator of over 40 years) about her TED talk and the importance of making connections and forming relationships with students. She supports celebrating students’ successes, rather than dwelling on their failures.   Her positivity, humor, and anecdotes are inspirational.  Ms. Pierson’s message is bold and powerful and has resonated with educators well after her passing in 2013.